Rhine water levels drop to historic lows amid ongoing European drought

Record-breaking summer heat and persistent drought across Western Europe have driven water levels in the Rhine, Elbe, and Lake Constance to critical lows, with measurements at Kaub hitting their lowest point since 1880. Hydrological authorities warn that without substantial rainfall, water levels will drop further in the coming days.

The severe dry spell threatens to halt shipping along Germany's primary inland waterway. Industry representatives warn that critical bottlenecks in the middle section of the Rhine could soon disrupt continuous navigation, effectively splitting the transport route into two disconnected parts. To mitigate supply chain bottlenecks, several German federal states have eased Sunday driving bans for heavy freight vehicles. However, freight operators emphasize that severe shortages of truck drivers and deteriorating road infrastructure limit the capacity to shift cargo from barges to highways.

Sources: DW, FAZ, Der Spiegel, Der Standard, Tagesschau